FYI Kyle – I do this every year. Nothing personal. I’m just a know it all who spends way too much time researching. And I’m a writer. This is what I do.
Round 1
Best: OF CGranderson, Lincecum on some Ts (LOT). This may have been obvious because it was the first choice, but getting power/speed combo like that was a great move.
Runner: 1B CPena, Beach Bums (BB). Not as obvious because most rankings bury him due to AVG. But in an OBP league, he’s gold. Nice move Troy
Worst: SP YGallardo, Keep on Sucking (KOS). I really want to hand this to Casten, but this move makes no sense to me. Sure, he MIGHT be good. But he hasn’t done anything to deserve a pick this high. ESPECIALLY over Billingsley and Shields.
Runner: C MWieters, Grumpy Munchkins (GM). Casten bought into the hype big time. I read enough of it that I am pretty convince he is special. But, he could have been had in the fourth. Now you have to wait until June and carry two catchers. Not worth it.
Round 2
Best: SP JShields, Donkey Punchers (DP). A young and very underrated pitcher, who helps in every pitching category outside saves. And he’s getting better. Other owners went for youngins without a track record in the first. Shield is safe and smart.
Runner: OF MOrdonez, KOS. Pierce made up for his first round pick by snatching up Magglio who dropped a lot farther than most thought he would. Shout out to Dave on the Tulo pick too.
Worst: 2B RCano, LOT. Sixteen rounds later, you could’ve had Kelly Johnson, who may not be a flashy name in a big city, but I bet you dollars to donuts (mmm... donuts) that KJ outproduces Cano.
Runner: RP JNathan, Moose is Loose (MIL). Nothing against Nathan, but it’s too early for closers in my opinion. They’re pretty easy and cheap on the trade market mid-year.
Round 3
Best: OF RIbanez, Angry Pirates (AP). Exciting as dirt but solid in R, HR, RBI and OBP. Expect even better in Philly.
Runner: SP JVazquez, GM. Bad ERA last year should be improved in ATL with another 200 Ks. Smart pick at this point in the draft.
Worst: SP CZambrano, Prestige Worldwide (PW). Lars made up for the pick by stealing some good SPs later in the draft. But this just didn’t make any sense to me. While his ERA balloons, his Ks have gone down. Give me Greinke, Wainright, or Lars’s 13th rounder, Josh Johnson.
Runner: 3B MDeRosa, BB. I don’t have a real problem with this pick, but it was early. His position flexibility makes him extra valuable.
Round 4
Best: SP ZGrienke, GM, and SP MCain, Montezuma’s Revenge (MR). Neither are likely to win many games, but 12 wins, 180 ks, sub 3.70 era and a 1.20 whip are nice gets here.
Runner: SS JPeralta, Ringo Fire (ROF). After this, the SS position drops in quality pretty drastically (after Jeter and JJ later this round, RTheriot is next 14 rounds later) and he’s good.
Worst: OF NCruz, Paper Champs (PC). Don’t see the need to take him here. He’s not proven anything yet and he’ll only stay in the clean up spot if he proves he is worth it. There were less risky players available and he’d probably be around for you in the 12th.
Runner: 3B AGordon, LOT. It’s not too much of stretch in this round, but I just don’t like the rankings LOT was operating under. Better than Chipper, Beltre, Encarnacion and Reynolds? No way. Even if he does out-produce them, it doesn’t make sense here.
Round 5
Best: 3B CJones, ROF. There is no way this guy should’ve dropped this far. Speaking from experience, his injuries are a pain in the but. But he produces on a level on par with any 3B outside New York when he’s in.
Runner: SP AWainright, DP. Solid player, which is what you should be shooting for at this point.
Worst: RP CMarmol, Big Schill (BS). If he was guaranteed the role of closer, this wouldnt be as bad. But he hasn’t yet and there were closers who had solid jobs.
Runner: SP CYoung, PW. This round was full of pretty solid picks. This was just the one I liked the next least because he would have been available later.
Round 6
Best: 3B ABeltre, PW. An underrated hitter in a contract year at a shallow position. I give Lars extra props for going after the best available hitter, rather than focusing on a position (he has Longoria).
Runner: C RDoumit, KOS. A top five catcher this late is a nice pull for Pierce.
Worst: SP CKershaw, PC. There are a lot of questions on the Champs pitching staff. This just adds to them. Danks, Johnson, Slowey, Floyd, Lilly, Weaver… There were other solid players with upside. Could be a bargaining chip midseason if he pans out.
Runner: OF/1B CJackson, BS. Just a boring player who does everything just pretty well. I could see him as a back up in four rounds, but as a starter? I think Dave will need to address this position.
Round 7
Best: SP JJohnson, PW, and SP JDanks, BS. These are two pitchers who could pay huge dividends for these teams. The talent level of SP started to drop significantly after this round.
Runner: 3B KSlowey, DP. Another good pitcher.
Worst: SP BSheets, BB. Shortly after, Troy announced that he hates this league. Yes, Troy, unfortunately you’re in a league full of know-it-alls, all of whom realized Sheets won’t be back for some time. Stash him on your bench and hope he comes back in the second half.
Runner: C MNapoli, GM. I actually think this pick is where you’re supposed to take a catcher like Napoli. I just want to again point out that Casten will have two catchers until June when Wieters gets called up. Better hope he’s good.
Round 8
Best: OF CYoung, AP. Congratulations new guy. This was officially the steal of the draft. A young guy with his power and speed potential should not be had this late. OBP will be a problem with this team, but a nice pick on a player who could breakout.
Runner: RP JValverde, ROF. For a guy that has lead the NL in saves the past two years, this is a pretty low draft position. Soria and Valverde are a nice, safe, pair of relievers.
Worst: SP THanson, LOT. Don’t understand why you’d reach on this guy at this point. He’s heading to AAA and may not get a sniff until until the fall. He may prove me wrong, but I’d rather have Meche.
Runner: 3B TGlaus, MIL. This isn’t a bad pick, but Glaus is the type of streaky guy who is annoying to own and always seems to have injury problems. He has an injury that may keep him out until June or May and you had other 3Bs. Was this the one you wanted a mulligan on? Don’t blame you.
Round 9
Best: OF JCust, BS. An OBP-league guy who will be a top 100 player with regular time. And he addresses a power need on this team. It is unclear whether the Giambi signing will impact his Abs, however.
Runner: SP GMeche, ROF. There aren’t many reliable high K, low ERA pitchers at this point in the draft, but Dagan found one. He’s not flashy but its these type of picks that separate good owners from the bad ones.
Worst: 3B Hank Blalock, AP. I really don’t get this pick. When was the last time Hank was starter worthy? He’s the starter on this team. I don’t see a whole lot of upside. Better hope Mike Lowell is back and healthy.
Runner: SP MPelfrey, PW. If you had to put a gun to my head, this is the next guy I’d choose. But I really can’t complain too much about Pelfrey at this spot. If he’s ever going to produce, it will be this year.
Round 10
Best: 1B PKonerko, GM. Prior to last year, this guy was a beast (I know, I picked him first last year). Difficult to imagine the drop continue and he had a nice second half. Could pay off big for Casten.
Runner: SP JWeaver, MR. Good job by me. If he reaches his potential he could be great. Even if remains mediocre, it’s not all that bad.
Worst: OF JDrew, AP. I can say pretty confidently that you could have waited five more rounds and still got Drew. He’s just so fragile it’s a joke. Give me Elijah, Choo or DYoung.
Runner: RP HStreet, BS. Not a bad pick, but there hasn’t been much good news on Street since he saved 37 a couple years ago. Could lose his job. Brian Wilson, Francisco and Hanrahan would’ve been safer.
Round 11
Best: 2B JLopez, PW. His OBP is horrendous but he produces elsewhere. Not flashy, but productive and only 25. Great value here.
Runner: 1B JGiambi, MR. Worth taking here with the potential of 30 hrs if he stays health. Another OBP-league guy. He is 38 though.
Worst: OF JWhillingham, AP. Hate to continue to trash the new guy, but JWill is in the middle of crowded outfield, injury prone and, really, waiver wire material.
Runner: RP JMotte, PC. Can’t hate this pick too much. But at this point, there were other relievers who have a solid hold on jobs.
Round 12
Best: SP OPerez, BS. Opie is hit or miss, but when he hits, he hits big. He may have a 4.40 era with some exceptionally shitty games, but he has the potential for 200 ks. Nice pick by Commish Fox at this stage.
Runner: DH JThome, MIL. Really surprised he dropped this far. If he stays healthy, which he probably will, Moose picks up 30 hrs and 90 rbis very late in the draft.
Worst: SP MParra, KOS. Not a horrible pick, but I guarantee this guy ends up on the waiver wire eventually.
Runner: SS RTheriot, LIT. This is way too late to grab your starting shortstop. I’d pick up Lowrie if I were you.
Round 13
Best: OF EDukes, ROF. I would’ve scooped him up a few rounds ago if I wasn’t already full of OFs. Great potential, should get playing time and worth a chance at this point.
Runner: 1B/3B CGuillen, KOS. Another productive player who dropped. Great bench player/UTIL and will be OF eligible this year.
Worst: OF MLaporta, LOT. Hasn’t played in a major league game yet and won’t for some time. Sent to the minors Tuesday. Doesn’t have the type of Longoria-upside to be worth holding a spot.
Runner: RP KGregg, MR. Clearly a reach. Even if he closes, it probably won’t be for long. You suck Leech.
Round 14
Best: SP ASonnanstine, KOS. I don’t really like this guy very much, but he’s a nice player at this point and will contribute, even if he isn’t a star.
Runner: OF CCrisp, PW. He’ll hit leadoff and as long as he’s healthy I can see 100 runs and 40 sbs. Royals actually don’t have a horrible lineup.
Worst: SP JZimmerman, GM. This was typical Casten. I love that he studies and has an opinion on everything, he tends to overthink things. Could’ve had him later. Scherzer, Zimmerman, Weiters, Davis, Bruce – that’s a whole lot of youngsters. Oh and how about a 2b? Aviles would’ve been nice to have.
Runner: SP ACook, BB. It’s unlikely he’ll produce the same number of wins. Then he helps you in, lets see, zero categories.
Round 15
Best: SP APettite, GM. Nice value here. He won’t be huge and he’ll probably be injured at some point, but 15 wins isn’t out of reach.
Runner: RP MCorpas, PC. Good spring. May steal the job back and provide great value.
Worst: RP JSamardzija, LOT. Bullpen arm. Won’t get saves and isn’t even the 8th inning guy. I don’t know. Don’t see the reason for him to have been drafted.
Runner: OF TSnider, AP. You’re going to wish you drafted Adam Lind instead.
Round 16
Best: C JPosada, MR. Nice job holding off to get a catcher. Great find very late. If he sucks, no real loss. But he’s throwing well in the spring and could be huge (for a catcher).
Runner: SP JMaine, DP and CVolstad, ROF. So many crappy pitchers went before these guys. Maine is a little dinged up, but worth taking here with multi-category upside.
Worst: SP THudson, AP. “He could return in August” Nuff said.
Runner: SS KGreene, BS. I just like to pick on Dave. Could’ve found a better bench player here. No real beef though at this point.
Round 17
Best: 1B BButler, BS. A better bench player. I expect him to continue his second half swoon and be in the 25 hr 85 rbi range.
Runner: SP KKawakami, MIL. From Japan, so who knows. But Atlanta is a good place to pitch and apparently this guy is pretty good. AP’s pick of Penny was good value here as well
Worst: SS YEscobar, DP. You should not be picking starting position players in the second to last round. Yunel is pretty unexceptional in all categories.
Runner: SP EJackson, PC. Only because I would never want to start him.
Round 18
Best: 1B ALaRoche, PW. Wow, great pick here. May start off slow, but when he gets hot he’s much more valuable then where he was drafted.
Runner: 2B/3B IStewart, MR. Great last round pick, even if I do say so myself. Could start at 2B, but will get a shot eventually and was productive last year. Low risk, high reward.
Worst: RP JHowell, BS. Who is this guy?
Runner: SS MTejeda, PC. Because Jason will probably offer him to me for Hanley.
Round 1
Best: OF CGranderson, Lincecum on some Ts (LOT). This may have been obvious because it was the first choice, but getting power/speed combo like that was a great move.
Runner: 1B CPena, Beach Bums (BB). Not as obvious because most rankings bury him due to AVG. But in an OBP league, he’s gold. Nice move Troy
Worst: SP YGallardo, Keep on Sucking (KOS). I really want to hand this to Casten, but this move makes no sense to me. Sure, he MIGHT be good. But he hasn’t done anything to deserve a pick this high. ESPECIALLY over Billingsley and Shields.
Runner: C MWieters, Grumpy Munchkins (GM). Casten bought into the hype big time. I read enough of it that I am pretty convince he is special. But, he could have been had in the fourth. Now you have to wait until June and carry two catchers. Not worth it.
Round 2
Best: SP JShields, Donkey Punchers (DP). A young and very underrated pitcher, who helps in every pitching category outside saves. And he’s getting better. Other owners went for youngins without a track record in the first. Shield is safe and smart.
Runner: OF MOrdonez, KOS. Pierce made up for his first round pick by snatching up Magglio who dropped a lot farther than most thought he would. Shout out to Dave on the Tulo pick too.
Worst: 2B RCano, LOT. Sixteen rounds later, you could’ve had Kelly Johnson, who may not be a flashy name in a big city, but I bet you dollars to donuts (mmm... donuts) that KJ outproduces Cano.
Runner: RP JNathan, Moose is Loose (MIL). Nothing against Nathan, but it’s too early for closers in my opinion. They’re pretty easy and cheap on the trade market mid-year.
Round 3
Best: OF RIbanez, Angry Pirates (AP). Exciting as dirt but solid in R, HR, RBI and OBP. Expect even better in Philly.
Runner: SP JVazquez, GM. Bad ERA last year should be improved in ATL with another 200 Ks. Smart pick at this point in the draft.
Worst: SP CZambrano, Prestige Worldwide (PW). Lars made up for the pick by stealing some good SPs later in the draft. But this just didn’t make any sense to me. While his ERA balloons, his Ks have gone down. Give me Greinke, Wainright, or Lars’s 13th rounder, Josh Johnson.
Runner: 3B MDeRosa, BB. I don’t have a real problem with this pick, but it was early. His position flexibility makes him extra valuable.
Round 4
Best: SP ZGrienke, GM, and SP MCain, Montezuma’s Revenge (MR). Neither are likely to win many games, but 12 wins, 180 ks, sub 3.70 era and a 1.20 whip are nice gets here.
Runner: SS JPeralta, Ringo Fire (ROF). After this, the SS position drops in quality pretty drastically (after Jeter and JJ later this round, RTheriot is next 14 rounds later) and he’s good.
Worst: OF NCruz, Paper Champs (PC). Don’t see the need to take him here. He’s not proven anything yet and he’ll only stay in the clean up spot if he proves he is worth it. There were less risky players available and he’d probably be around for you in the 12th.
Runner: 3B AGordon, LOT. It’s not too much of stretch in this round, but I just don’t like the rankings LOT was operating under. Better than Chipper, Beltre, Encarnacion and Reynolds? No way. Even if he does out-produce them, it doesn’t make sense here.
Round 5
Best: 3B CJones, ROF. There is no way this guy should’ve dropped this far. Speaking from experience, his injuries are a pain in the but. But he produces on a level on par with any 3B outside New York when he’s in.
Runner: SP AWainright, DP. Solid player, which is what you should be shooting for at this point.
Worst: RP CMarmol, Big Schill (BS). If he was guaranteed the role of closer, this wouldnt be as bad. But he hasn’t yet and there were closers who had solid jobs.
Runner: SP CYoung, PW. This round was full of pretty solid picks. This was just the one I liked the next least because he would have been available later.
Round 6
Best: 3B ABeltre, PW. An underrated hitter in a contract year at a shallow position. I give Lars extra props for going after the best available hitter, rather than focusing on a position (he has Longoria).
Runner: C RDoumit, KOS. A top five catcher this late is a nice pull for Pierce.
Worst: SP CKershaw, PC. There are a lot of questions on the Champs pitching staff. This just adds to them. Danks, Johnson, Slowey, Floyd, Lilly, Weaver… There were other solid players with upside. Could be a bargaining chip midseason if he pans out.
Runner: OF/1B CJackson, BS. Just a boring player who does everything just pretty well. I could see him as a back up in four rounds, but as a starter? I think Dave will need to address this position.
Round 7
Best: SP JJohnson, PW, and SP JDanks, BS. These are two pitchers who could pay huge dividends for these teams. The talent level of SP started to drop significantly after this round.
Runner: 3B KSlowey, DP. Another good pitcher.
Worst: SP BSheets, BB. Shortly after, Troy announced that he hates this league. Yes, Troy, unfortunately you’re in a league full of know-it-alls, all of whom realized Sheets won’t be back for some time. Stash him on your bench and hope he comes back in the second half.
Runner: C MNapoli, GM. I actually think this pick is where you’re supposed to take a catcher like Napoli. I just want to again point out that Casten will have two catchers until June when Wieters gets called up. Better hope he’s good.
Round 8
Best: OF CYoung, AP. Congratulations new guy. This was officially the steal of the draft. A young guy with his power and speed potential should not be had this late. OBP will be a problem with this team, but a nice pick on a player who could breakout.
Runner: RP JValverde, ROF. For a guy that has lead the NL in saves the past two years, this is a pretty low draft position. Soria and Valverde are a nice, safe, pair of relievers.
Worst: SP THanson, LOT. Don’t understand why you’d reach on this guy at this point. He’s heading to AAA and may not get a sniff until until the fall. He may prove me wrong, but I’d rather have Meche.
Runner: 3B TGlaus, MIL. This isn’t a bad pick, but Glaus is the type of streaky guy who is annoying to own and always seems to have injury problems. He has an injury that may keep him out until June or May and you had other 3Bs. Was this the one you wanted a mulligan on? Don’t blame you.
Round 9
Best: OF JCust, BS. An OBP-league guy who will be a top 100 player with regular time. And he addresses a power need on this team. It is unclear whether the Giambi signing will impact his Abs, however.
Runner: SP GMeche, ROF. There aren’t many reliable high K, low ERA pitchers at this point in the draft, but Dagan found one. He’s not flashy but its these type of picks that separate good owners from the bad ones.
Worst: 3B Hank Blalock, AP. I really don’t get this pick. When was the last time Hank was starter worthy? He’s the starter on this team. I don’t see a whole lot of upside. Better hope Mike Lowell is back and healthy.
Runner: SP MPelfrey, PW. If you had to put a gun to my head, this is the next guy I’d choose. But I really can’t complain too much about Pelfrey at this spot. If he’s ever going to produce, it will be this year.
Round 10
Best: 1B PKonerko, GM. Prior to last year, this guy was a beast (I know, I picked him first last year). Difficult to imagine the drop continue and he had a nice second half. Could pay off big for Casten.
Runner: SP JWeaver, MR. Good job by me. If he reaches his potential he could be great. Even if remains mediocre, it’s not all that bad.
Worst: OF JDrew, AP. I can say pretty confidently that you could have waited five more rounds and still got Drew. He’s just so fragile it’s a joke. Give me Elijah, Choo or DYoung.
Runner: RP HStreet, BS. Not a bad pick, but there hasn’t been much good news on Street since he saved 37 a couple years ago. Could lose his job. Brian Wilson, Francisco and Hanrahan would’ve been safer.
Round 11
Best: 2B JLopez, PW. His OBP is horrendous but he produces elsewhere. Not flashy, but productive and only 25. Great value here.
Runner: 1B JGiambi, MR. Worth taking here with the potential of 30 hrs if he stays health. Another OBP-league guy. He is 38 though.
Worst: OF JWhillingham, AP. Hate to continue to trash the new guy, but JWill is in the middle of crowded outfield, injury prone and, really, waiver wire material.
Runner: RP JMotte, PC. Can’t hate this pick too much. But at this point, there were other relievers who have a solid hold on jobs.
Round 12
Best: SP OPerez, BS. Opie is hit or miss, but when he hits, he hits big. He may have a 4.40 era with some exceptionally shitty games, but he has the potential for 200 ks. Nice pick by Commish Fox at this stage.
Runner: DH JThome, MIL. Really surprised he dropped this far. If he stays healthy, which he probably will, Moose picks up 30 hrs and 90 rbis very late in the draft.
Worst: SP MParra, KOS. Not a horrible pick, but I guarantee this guy ends up on the waiver wire eventually.
Runner: SS RTheriot, LIT. This is way too late to grab your starting shortstop. I’d pick up Lowrie if I were you.
Round 13
Best: OF EDukes, ROF. I would’ve scooped him up a few rounds ago if I wasn’t already full of OFs. Great potential, should get playing time and worth a chance at this point.
Runner: 1B/3B CGuillen, KOS. Another productive player who dropped. Great bench player/UTIL and will be OF eligible this year.
Worst: OF MLaporta, LOT. Hasn’t played in a major league game yet and won’t for some time. Sent to the minors Tuesday. Doesn’t have the type of Longoria-upside to be worth holding a spot.
Runner: RP KGregg, MR. Clearly a reach. Even if he closes, it probably won’t be for long. You suck Leech.
Round 14
Best: SP ASonnanstine, KOS. I don’t really like this guy very much, but he’s a nice player at this point and will contribute, even if he isn’t a star.
Runner: OF CCrisp, PW. He’ll hit leadoff and as long as he’s healthy I can see 100 runs and 40 sbs. Royals actually don’t have a horrible lineup.
Worst: SP JZimmerman, GM. This was typical Casten. I love that he studies and has an opinion on everything, he tends to overthink things. Could’ve had him later. Scherzer, Zimmerman, Weiters, Davis, Bruce – that’s a whole lot of youngsters. Oh and how about a 2b? Aviles would’ve been nice to have.
Runner: SP ACook, BB. It’s unlikely he’ll produce the same number of wins. Then he helps you in, lets see, zero categories.
Round 15
Best: SP APettite, GM. Nice value here. He won’t be huge and he’ll probably be injured at some point, but 15 wins isn’t out of reach.
Runner: RP MCorpas, PC. Good spring. May steal the job back and provide great value.
Worst: RP JSamardzija, LOT. Bullpen arm. Won’t get saves and isn’t even the 8th inning guy. I don’t know. Don’t see the reason for him to have been drafted.
Runner: OF TSnider, AP. You’re going to wish you drafted Adam Lind instead.
Round 16
Best: C JPosada, MR. Nice job holding off to get a catcher. Great find very late. If he sucks, no real loss. But he’s throwing well in the spring and could be huge (for a catcher).
Runner: SP JMaine, DP and CVolstad, ROF. So many crappy pitchers went before these guys. Maine is a little dinged up, but worth taking here with multi-category upside.
Worst: SP THudson, AP. “He could return in August” Nuff said.
Runner: SS KGreene, BS. I just like to pick on Dave. Could’ve found a better bench player here. No real beef though at this point.
Round 17
Best: 1B BButler, BS. A better bench player. I expect him to continue his second half swoon and be in the 25 hr 85 rbi range.
Runner: SP KKawakami, MIL. From Japan, so who knows. But Atlanta is a good place to pitch and apparently this guy is pretty good. AP’s pick of Penny was good value here as well
Worst: SS YEscobar, DP. You should not be picking starting position players in the second to last round. Yunel is pretty unexceptional in all categories.
Runner: SP EJackson, PC. Only because I would never want to start him.
Round 18
Best: 1B ALaRoche, PW. Wow, great pick here. May start off slow, but when he gets hot he’s much more valuable then where he was drafted.
Runner: 2B/3B IStewart, MR. Great last round pick, even if I do say so myself. Could start at 2B, but will get a shot eventually and was productive last year. Low risk, high reward.
Worst: RP JHowell, BS. Who is this guy?
Runner: SS MTejeda, PC. Because Jason will probably offer him to me for Hanley.
